Overview.

See and experience 4 of the most beautiful cities in China. Every day of the Historical Orient tour is filled with visits to the most magnificent sites of the orient. You will stay in high quality hotels and be treated to the best cuisine each city has to offer. If you have ever thought about visiting China, then The Historical Orient is everything you could ask for.
Other Far East Destinations:
Japan
Nepal
Mongolia
Singapore & Malaysia

The Historical Orient

Day 1 – London Heathrow to Beijing
Depart from London Heathrow airport for scheduled flight to Beijing. We can also arrange departures from your local airport.

Day 2 – Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport and transfer to hotel in city centre.

Later visit the Temple of Heaven – built in 1420, it was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for a good harvest for the year.

Conclude today with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant. (L/D)

Day 3 – Beijing
Start our tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest public square in the world. Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (late Chairman Mao’s huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City – which served as imperial palaces for 24 emperors since 15th century. This massive palace compound never fails to impress.

In the afternoon the tour continues to the enchanting Summer Palace – the largest imperial garden in the world, where late Qing emperors and empresses stayed between May and October, seeking escape from the pollution inside the city. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. (B/L)

Day 4 – Beijing
Today we travel outside the city to the Great Wall at Badaling. You will be given plenty of time to explore this magnificent monument and climb to the top.

The afternoon is spent visiting the Ming Tombs – 13 Ming Emperors were buried in the basin surrounded by Tiger and Dragon Mountains.

The evening is time to relax with a traditional Peking duck banquet! (B/L/D)

Day 5 – Beijing to Xian
We start our tour today by travel on rickshaw around the old Beijing Hutong (alleyways) area – visit a typical Beijing family in courtyard house; also stop by a local school.

Later in the afternoon we fly to Xian – the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel in the city centre. Later visit the Ancient City Wall, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the most complete city wall that has survived in China. Later we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Known as the best-preserved Buddhist temple complex, the temple was initially built in 589, during the Sui Dynasty (581-618).

Tonight enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B/D)

Day 6 – Xian
Today our tour begins with yet another highlight of the entire journey – Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang. With over 7,000 life-size figures unearthed since 1974, this is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

This afternoon return to the city to visit the Bell Tower – beautifully lit with red lanterns; this is the landmark of Xian. Also browse around the colourful local food market in the Muslim quarter. (B/L)

Day 7 – Xian to Guilin
Morning flight to Guilin – one of the most picturesque cities in China. We visit the Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill. After dinner, Emperor Tours will treat every customer with a refreshing traditional Chinese foot massage – a sensual experience and utter enjoyment. (B/L/D)

Day 8 – Guilin / Yangshuo
Today take a boat cruise along the scenic Li River to Yangshuo – a small town near Guilin which boasts of stunning landscapes.

After lunch on boat, we will have plenty of time to browse around Yangshuo’s lively local market. Return to Guilin in the evening. Optional tour to see cormorant fishing will be organised if enough interest. (B/L)

Day 9 – Guilin to Shanghai
This morning we fly to Shanghai – a vibrant modern city renowned as the “Oriental Paris”. Tour the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden and the Bund – Shanghai’s famous waterfront, where you will be treated with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of Huangpu River.

This evening enjoy the famous Shanghai Acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Day 10 – Shanghai / Suzhou
This morning travel to Suzhou – China’s garden city renowned for its canals, arched stone bridges and silk products. We will visit two of its most popular gardens – Humble Administrator’s Garden and Garden of the Master of the Nets. Also visit the city’s famous Silk Museum and Panmen Gate.

Return to Shanghai in the evening. (B/L)

Day 11 – Shanghai
A whole day free to do some last minute shopping and exploring. Evening enjoy a farewell dinner. (B/D)

Day 12 – Shanghai to London Heathrow
Morning transfer to airport for flight home. End of itinerary. (B)

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Hong Kong Extension (extra nights are available upon request):
Day 12 – Shanghai to Hong Kong
Transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)

Day 13 – Hong Kong
Half day Hong Kong tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village, etc. Rest of day free. (B)

Day 14 – Hong Kong to London Heathrow
Day time free. Late evening transfer to airport for flight home. (B)

Day 15 – London Heathrow
Morning arrive in London. End of itinerary.

12 Days Package Price from just £1,780 per person (Single supplement £280)

15 Days Package Price from just £2,110 per person (Single supplement £360)

Price includes:

International flight London – Beijing / Shanghai (or Hong Kong) – London
4/5 hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
Meals as described (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner)
Daily supply of bottled water
Fully escorted tours with English speaking guides
All domestic flights
All airport taxes and service charges
Price excludes:

Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details)
Tips to guides and drivers
Chinese visa

The Historical Orient Departure – Return Dates:

Date (depart – return)	Price	*with Hong Kong extension
08 – 19 / 22* May 2011	£1,840 per person	£2,170 per person
22 May – 02 / 05* Jun 2011	£1,840 per person	£2,170 per person
05 – 16 / 19* Jun 2011	£1,840 per person	£2,170 per person
17- 28 / 31* Jul 2011	£1,890 per person	£2,220 per person
31 Jul – 11 / 14* Aug 2011	£1,890 per person	£2,220 per person
14 – 25 / 28* Aug 2011	£1,890 per person	£2,220 per person
04 – 15 / 18* sep 2011	£1,890 per person	£2,220 per person
18 – 29 Sep / 02* Oct 2011	£1,890 per person	£2,220 per person
09 – 20 / 23* Oct 2011	£1,890 per person	£2,220 per person
23 Oct – 03 / 06* Nov 2011	£1,890 per person	£2,220 per person
06 – 17 / 20* Nov 2011	£1,780 per person	£2,110 per person
04 – 15 / 18* Dec 2011	£1,780 per person	£2,110 per person
22 Dec 2011 – 02 / 05 * Jan 2012	£1,890 per person	£2,220 per person